Khaleda’s medical file kept at Hasina’s office, says Fakhrul

The BNP says the medical treatment of party chief Khaleda Zia is being interrupted because the prison authority’s file has been kept at the Prime Minister’s Office.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the claim at a press conference on Saturday morning.

“As far as we know, the prison authority spoke with other doctors and recommended that she [Khaleda Zia] receive treatment at a special hospital.”

“We have heard that the file is with the prime minister and that she is allowing the health of the leader of the country [Khaleda Zia] to deteriorate because no decision has been made.”

The BNP has repeatedly expressed its concern over Khaleda’s illness since she was sentenced to five years in prison in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case on Feb 8.

In response, the government has formed a medical board to oversee her treatment and says it is taking all steps necessary for her care.

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, who had met with Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal over Khaleda’s treatment, also spoke at the press conference.

“The government’s negligence, or delay, is inhumane. It is an anti-political stance.”

“I’m asking the government to arrange for her proper medical treatment at United Hospital without delay. Otherwise they will have to face the consequences.”

Some medical specialists also spoke at the press conference.

“Most of her problems are in the shoulder,” said neuro-medicine specialist Dr Syed Wahidur Rahman. “It hurts constantly. She also has rheumatoid arthritis in her fingers. They have swollen and hurt. Her hip bones have also eroded and put pressure on her spinal cord, so she is unable to walk.”

“If there is any problem she could become very weak, even paralysed, and lose sensation in her arms and legs. Proper treatment, tests and physiotherapy are required.”

“She needs a well-ventilated room and environment,” said orthopaedic specialist Dr Sirajuddin Ahmed. “Her illnesses will only become worse if she is housed in such poor conditions.”

“Madam is also suffering from eye problems too,” said eye specialist Dr Abdul Quddus. “Her eyes are inflamed. If her corneas dry out now, it will not be possible to repair them in 15 years. She may become blind at any point.”

“When she was arrested on 1/11, the former prime minister was allowed treatment at her preferred Square Hospital and later sent abroad,” said Fakhrul.

“But now they are not giving her treatment and causing her condition to deteriorate. This unelected government’s main objective is to keep Begum Khaleda Zia unhealthy so that she is unable to engage in politics or the election.”